Vermont’s Killington Resort was a hive of activity last week as resort staff and a specialist from Doppelmayr worked side by side to splice and raise the haul rope for the new high-speed six-person lift called Superstar Six.
“One of the most precise, and impressive, steps of the build is officially in the books. This isn’t just threading cable, it’s a full-on engineering feat.” -Killington
The new Superstar Six is replacing the Superstar Express Quad, originally installed in 1987, and will increase uphill capacity, improve reliability, and promises a more comfortable ride guests. This project is just one of many planned during Killington’s multi-year $38 million capital improvement push.
Learn more about what’s in store for Killington in coming years below:
Big builds need big views.
— Killington Resort (@KillingtonMtn) October 3, 2025
Towers are in. The drive terminal is set. Terminals are rising. And did you catch those new snow guns? 🔥This isn’t just a lift upgrade, it’s a full send into the future of snowmaking and lift service on Superstar. #BeTheBeast #SuperstarSix pic.twitter.com/blZmzzaOEp
SUPERSTAR GETS A SIX-PACK
Killington looks forward to the forthcoming replacement of the Superstar Express chairlift during the summer of 2025. The current high-speed quad will be replaced with a Doppelmayr UNI-G six-person chairlift. The new chair will be the first for the resort from that manufacturer.
With this new lift, guests will notice a few changes in addition to the chair size. The lift maze will be reconfigured for easier load and the lift will spin clockwise, like the Snowdon Six Express. Unlike the Snowdon Six, this new lift will not have a bubble both because of challenges with storage and because Superstar is a relatively quick ride. Though it is a six-person lift, we plan to run it at a speed such that the overall uphill capacity will remain the same.
The original Superstar lift, a first-generation detachable quad from the Yan Lift company, was built in 1987, making it one of New England’s oldest detachable chairlifts. Over the course of its lifetime, it was retrofit by Poma in 1997. Superstar is the 10th longest aerial lift in Killington’s fleet of 17 with a rise of 1,199 vertical feet.
Several components of the existing lift—such as the chairs and sheave trains—will be repurposed, particularly all the chairs on the Golden Express at Pico will be replaced, which is a similar model to Superstar. Any remaining steel will be salvaged and recycled.
The new lift will follow the same line as the old chair, however all towers will be relocated with the exception of the terminal towers. Tower four will be shifted 80 feet uphill and closer to tree line. The snowmaking pipe location will also be adjusted and a small, new maintenance workshop will be added at the top of Skye Peak.
Construction Timeline
Once the old lift is fully removed, we’ll begin laying the groundwork for its replacement.
- Early Summer: Removing old footings and preparing new foundations.
- Mid-Summer: Flying concrete in and setting the terminals and towers.
- Late Summer/Fall: Installing electrical, drive systems, and lift controls.
- Winter 2025: The brand-new Superstar high-speed six-pack (no bubble) is scheduled to open in early December 2025.
This upgrade will enhance efficiency, ensuring quicker access to some of the best terrain on the mountain.
Lift installation will be completed in summer of 2025, and will affect spring skiing on Superstar this season. The project will commence April 14, 2025, however, the we plan to make additional snow in other key areas of the mountain including the Canyon and North Ridge areas to extend the season elsewhere.
Due to the replacement of the Superstar chairlift, the 2025 Audi FIS Ski World Cup will be held at Copper Mountain, Colorado over Thanksgiving weekend 2025 and is expected to return to Killington Resort in 2026.
This project is part of $32 million in capital improvements to be completed over the next two seasons. The cost for this lift replacement project is estimated to be $12 million
Big Enhancements at The Beast: Winter 2025/26 and Beyond
Killington Resort is in the midst of a multi-year transformation, with $38 million in capital improvements designed to enhance the guest experience across all four seasons. Under independent local ownership, we’re investing in infrastructure that reinforces our standing as the Northeast’s premier destination for outdoor adventure.
This summer, we’re replacing the Superstar Express Quad (originally installed in 1987) with a new high-speed six-person lift. The updated lift will increase uphill capacity, improve reliability, and provide a more comfortable ride for skiers and riders accessing one of Killington’s most iconic trails. Simultaneously, all 116 cabins on the Skyeship Gondola will be replaced with modern versions, and the gondola barn that houses them is being upgraded as well. These improvements will bring a new level of comfort and consistency to the guest experience, especially during peak winter periods.
We are replacing the surface lift on Snowshed, improving beginner access to the trails. At our sister mountain, a new Magic Carpet will replace the historic double chair on Bonanza.
Snowmaking continues to be a major focus of our investment. This year and next, we’re installing a total of 1,000 new low-energy HKD tower and fan guns, significantly improving efficiency and coverage across the resort. Additionally, four new fully automated fan guns are being added to the Superstar trail, enhancing our ability to build and maintain snow early and late into the season. In addition, new pipeline is being installed throughout the resort for increased reliability. These upgrades support our commitment to delivering one of the longest ski seasons in the East, year after year.
Unique on-mountain dining experiences are a staple of Killington, and next winter, guests can enjoy the all-new Ledgewood Yurt for upscale dining tucket just off Snowshed slope.
Our summer experience is growing too. A new lift-served mountain bike trail is scheduled to open on Ramshead Summer 2026, with additional trails currently being permitted, including a new beginner/intermediate trail at Snowshed. These trails, designed in partnership with Gravity Logic, will cater to riders of all levels and expand the variety of experiences in one of the East’s premier bike parks.
Killington’s evolution isn’t limited to resort infrastructure. Our investments include equipment such as a heavy-duty plow truck and five new groomers. And just beyond our boundaries, the independently led “Live Killington Village” project is taking shape. Developed by Great Gulf, this 450-acre master-planned community will introduce residential, retail, and recreational amenities just steps from the slopes. Phase one includes more than 200 homes and 32,000 square feet of commercial space, including shops, restaurants, and a new base lodge replacing the current Snowshed and Ramshead lodges. Future phases are expected to bring additional housing, Nordic spas, outdoor gathering spaces, and much more.
Additionally, construction has begun on the Base Camp at Bear Mountain project, a new ski-in/ski-out residential community adjacent to Bear Mountain Base Lodge. Phase 1 features 24 luxury duplex townhomes offering over 2,700 square feet each, two-car heated garages, gourmet kitchens, vaulted ceilings, and expansive views. Future phases will bring 72 more multi-family units and custom single-family homes, further enhancing Killington as a vibrant four-season destination.
From lift improvements and snowmaking investments to summer trail expansions and long-term village planning, we’re laying the foundation for the future of Killington. Each new enhancement builds upon the last, creating a more accessible, comfortable, and vibrant resort experience for every guest, no matter the season.
Killington is, and will continue to be, the Northeast’s four-season mountain destination.
